Adejoh Bilkisu
The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) recently organized a Media and Entertainment Veteran Roundtable, aimed at celebrating the significant contributions of veterans in the industry and acknowledging their continued relevance in shaping society.
The roundtable which was held yesterday in Abuja, served as a platform to honor the legacies of veterans and emphasize that their wealth of experience remains invaluable to national development.
In her address, the Director General of the NSCC, Dr. Emem Omokaro, highlighted the importance of respecting and valuing senior citizens.
She stressed that while old age is often regarded as a blessing, it is accompanied by stigmatization, which presents numerous challenges for the elderly. “Old people face a lot of difficulties in society, often being mistreated simply because of their age,” Dr. Omokaro stated.
She further emphasized that human rights do not diminish with age, and it is crucial for society to change its perception of aging.
The DG also discussed the vital role veterans play in economic development, noting that their experiences and expertise can still contribute significantly to national growth.
“Our veterans have much to offer, even after retirement,” she said, calling for more initiatives to engage senior citizens in various sectors.
One of the key highlights of the roundtable was the push for the domestication of the NSCC Act. Dr. Omokaro called on relevant authorities to fully implement the provisions of the NSCC Act across the country, to ensure better welfare for senior citizens and promote policies that protect their rights.
One of Nigeria’s most iconic television figures, Peter Igho, initiated the Media and Entertainment Veterans meeting after learning about the NSCC’s projects aimed at supporting the elderly.
He expressed his belief that the veterans of the media and entertainment industry, who dedicated their lives to their craft, deserve recognition and appreciation.
Igho, who has left a lasting legacy in Nigerian television, noted that many careers were shaped by the veterans honored at the roundtable.
His commitment to honoring these pioneers reflects his passion for ensuring that those who paved the way are supported in their later years.
Through his collaboration with the NSCC, Igho hopes to bridge the gap between veterans and the recognition they deserve.
Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva, who was present at the event, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and underscored the importance of treating the elderly with respect. “We all will age someday, and how we treat our elders today reflects on the kind of society we want to build,” Silva remarked.
She urged the younger generation to acknowledge the wisdom of older citizens and treat them with care and dignity.
Also speaking, Dr Ladan Salihu, a veteran Broadcast Journalist praised the National Senior Citizens Centre for becoming a cornerstone in providing holistic care to veterans.
“Knowing that an agency like this exists in Nigeria is a source of joy, as it assures us that we can age peacefully without the fear of stigmatization,” he said.
He suggested that the meetings be held quarterly to allow veterans to reconnect with their peers and openly discuss their challenges and achievements.
Salihu also advocated for the creation of a financial reserve for veterans, serving as a backup for those in need of financial assistance.
The event concluded with a call for more awareness on the rights and contributions of older persons in society, encouraging everyone to view aging as a natural process that enriches the human experience rather than a burden.
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